What do you think?
Rate this book
The Happy Intercessor
As we dive into the Father s heart we are overwhelmedby His presence, the fullness of joy. From this place webegin to see from His perspective.As we see and understand His world we are compelledto intercede.We are now praying and speaking withfresh insight.We see that we no longer have to prayfrom a place of defense. Instead we pray offensiveprayers from His presence.When we speak our petitions and most important ourdeclarations into the atmosphere, authority and breakthroughcome.From the intimate place with our Father everything isbirthed.Endorsements/
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2009
275 people are currently reading
826 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
October 4, 2015
This explained so much about who I am and why I see things the way I do :)
March 24, 2017
I was very excited to read this book on the topic of intercessory prayer, and found myself very disappointed by page 77. While the book shares very interesting and sometimes inspiring personal accounts from the author, it shares more opinion than truth. And my issue is that she presents her personal opinion as total truth on the subject. While I'm certain there can be many styles of intercessory prayer, to push "identificational repentance" as a necessity to prayer or Biblical, in alignment with New Testament theology, is profoundly disturbing.
I put the book down after reading the following: "There is no depression in Heaven so we have no legal right to depression. If you are depressed, you need to recheck your life."
She clearly does not have a good understanding of mental health and how statements such as those above perpetuate shame and stigmas within the church.
I don't want to throw the baby out with the bath water but personally I could not continue the book further.
I put the book down after reading the following: "There is no depression in Heaven so we have no legal right to depression. If you are depressed, you need to recheck your life."
She clearly does not have a good understanding of mental health and how statements such as those above perpetuate shame and stigmas within the church.
I don't want to throw the baby out with the bath water but personally I could not continue the book further.
April 25, 2024
It was such an confirmation of all the things I already do in prayer.
April 12, 2017
Not for me. Part of my negative reaction is that she's using a LOT of buzzwords & coded language from charismatic/Pentacostal milieu, and I don't know what she's talking about! I'm not even sure she realizes she's using language that someone outside her circle won't understand.
Another negative from my scholarly heart: she uses a quote at the top of a chapter that she attributes to Julian of Norwich. The quote seemed utterly out of context for Julian, and sure enough, 10 seconds of googling helped me find the original writer… a contemporary PhD author. That's really sloppy editing. And I'm sorry, if you're sloppy with your editing, I don't trust you not to be sloppy with your thinking or teaching.
Another negative from my scholarly heart: she uses a quote at the top of a chapter that she attributes to Julian of Norwich. The quote seemed utterly out of context for Julian, and sure enough, 10 seconds of googling helped me find the original writer… a contemporary PhD author. That's really sloppy editing. And I'm sorry, if you're sloppy with your editing, I don't trust you not to be sloppy with your thinking or teaching.
October 17, 2018
Beni's pursuit for spirituality and intercession through Jesus is beautiful.
However, the only parts of this book worth reading were the actual experiences themselves. Experiences are valid, but subjective, and I found the author put too much weight on subjective experiences. Experience is not theology. Additionally, the vocabulary and figures of speech were hard to understand for one unfamiliar with Bethel teachings and culture. Intercession was not even defined until the end of chapter 1. Very poor writing - many themes need to be further explained. Mediocre teaching and poor execution.
However, the only parts of this book worth reading were the actual experiences themselves. Experiences are valid, but subjective, and I found the author put too much weight on subjective experiences. Experience is not theology. Additionally, the vocabulary and figures of speech were hard to understand for one unfamiliar with Bethel teachings and culture. Intercession was not even defined until the end of chapter 1. Very poor writing - many themes need to be further explained. Mediocre teaching and poor execution.
October 17, 2011
Some great insights on prayer--particularly liked Beni's thoughts about worship. Some of the theology is weak.
November 23, 2025
I think this book is best read when it’s interpreted 😅
Her style of writing asks you to give her the benefit of the doubt where you find yourself thinking: „I know what you mean, even though it sounds different.“
Her style of writing asks you to give her the benefit of the doubt where you find yourself thinking: „I know what you mean, even though it sounds different.“
August 21, 2022
Wow, I so enjoyed this book. It felt more like a conversation. There's so much gold in here that it could be easy to miss.
It's part Beni's own story of being an intercessor filled with the joy of the Lord, part guidance on prayer and part revelation of what prayer can be.
I thoroughly enjoyed it but wished I'd read it years ago. I've also read her other books: Healthy and Free and The Power of Communion and highly recommend each book.
It's part Beni's own story of being an intercessor filled with the joy of the Lord, part guidance on prayer and part revelation of what prayer can be.
I thoroughly enjoyed it but wished I'd read it years ago. I've also read her other books: Healthy and Free and The Power of Communion and highly recommend each book.
May 31, 2020
Problematic
I was looking forward to reading this book recommended by a former mentor of mine. I read it before having a formal introduction with Bethel Church and their "revival culture" focused ministries. I don't doubt that Bethel is an influential entity in the Christianity, but after reading this I question their validity as a church seeking to be present with the marginalized, oppressed, and those who are hurting. The chapters laid out strategies that were removed from walking alongside people long term. There were some strategies mentioned that were inconsistent with spiritual warfare tactics in scripture.
A couple alarming concerns were...
- Beni describing being an intercessor as a special role in the church when scriptures say we should all be interceding for each other through prayer
- this sentence which lacks compassion and blantantly disregards the reality of mental illness and trauma as a part of the curse: "if you are depressed you need to recheck your life."
I am disappointed because I really wanted to love this book fully, but I can't. The writer is definitely enthused and in love with the Lord. She is passionate about serving and living for our God. But, to put it frankly, she has a pollyanna approach that is emotionally unhealthy and can misguide the Church.
I was looking forward to reading this book recommended by a former mentor of mine. I read it before having a formal introduction with Bethel Church and their "revival culture" focused ministries. I don't doubt that Bethel is an influential entity in the Christianity, but after reading this I question their validity as a church seeking to be present with the marginalized, oppressed, and those who are hurting. The chapters laid out strategies that were removed from walking alongside people long term. There were some strategies mentioned that were inconsistent with spiritual warfare tactics in scripture.
A couple alarming concerns were...
- Beni describing being an intercessor as a special role in the church when scriptures say we should all be interceding for each other through prayer
- this sentence which lacks compassion and blantantly disregards the reality of mental illness and trauma as a part of the curse: "if you are depressed you need to recheck your life."
I am disappointed because I really wanted to love this book fully, but I can't. The writer is definitely enthused and in love with the Lord. She is passionate about serving and living for our God. But, to put it frankly, she has a pollyanna approach that is emotionally unhealthy and can misguide the Church.
May 23, 2019
I did not want to put this book down! I read it slowly and underlined everything! Pretty sure I will be re-reading this many times.
Beni Johnson, like her husband, writes the way she speaks. I could hear her voice throughout the entire book, speaking in a peaceful and soothing manner filled with wisdom and love. Many of her stories, especially near the end, resonated with me because I had felt the same way in my own spiritual walk. This helped me to understand my own calling. Mainly, that warfare doesn't always call for shouting angry prayers. The Holy Spirit will guide you in how to pray and as you deepen your relationship with God, you will know what battles call for what kind of prayer, spoken and unspoken.
Beni Johnson, like her husband, writes the way she speaks. I could hear her voice throughout the entire book, speaking in a peaceful and soothing manner filled with wisdom and love. Many of her stories, especially near the end, resonated with me because I had felt the same way in my own spiritual walk. This helped me to understand my own calling. Mainly, that warfare doesn't always call for shouting angry prayers. The Holy Spirit will guide you in how to pray and as you deepen your relationship with God, you will know what battles call for what kind of prayer, spoken and unspoken.
September 28, 2020
I really do honor Bethel as a church culture. They have a great revelation in experiencing the miraculous that Christ spoke of. However, I had a hard time digesting this book. It may be more the writing style and organization/ structure. The experiences and opinions stated could use more bibilical backing so that one who is not familiar with the culture can grasp the going ons. Overall, its a good read for someone who has a good understanding of the New Testament theology [The completed works of Christ]. Because, more or less, Benis' book reveals some practical applications of that theology.
February 13, 2014
What can I say? I feel blessed to have read this book. More equipped. I feel like I just spent time in training with "Mama Johnson" - truly a mother in her wisdom and experience in this path of intercession. The book is very readable. Filled with stories and examples as well as Scripture - it both teaches and inspires!
October 2, 2015
Too many unsubstantiated claims. I want to learn about spirituality but not from someone whose only authority is personal experience and a pastoring at a mega church!
April 24, 2020
FANTASIC READ! IT WAS LIKE A HAPPY INTERCESSOR CONFERENCE ROLLED UP INTO A BOOK! MY GOODNESS, I HAVE NEVER FELT SO ENCOURAGED AND HAPPY WHEN PRAYING!
Coming off the heels of Shifting Atmospheres with Dawna DeSilva, this was such a timely read! Shout out to Dawna DeSilva for referencing this book in her book. This book was super fantastic!
I feel like this has warped and transcended my prayer life even more! I learned so many riveting details, awesome and inspiring stories about intercession and warring with joy and worship. I love how the premise was to teach intercessors how not to live in limbo being exhausted in prayer and or tormented by demons or Satan but to connect with the #rd realm of Heaven where God resides and to experience the joy of the Lord!
This has revolutionized my prayer life just in the short time of reading it. It gave me dope prayer strategy, super easy-to-read, engaging, and awe-inspiring as Beni shares her story with us about her not wanting to be called to pray and how a radical encounter and revelation with the Lord changed everything.
She truly teaches us what our role is as intercessors, things we can do to help the church and our leaders without being controlling and manipulative in our prayers, how to war from the place of joy, praying within your authority, seeking God on what he wants to release in the Earth, partnering with Heaven and seeing it manifest, not being afraid to venture out and reclaim ownership of our territories and so much more.
She gave so many examples, life stories, scriptures, and strategy to remain a happy intercessor. Some of these things if not all, I have started incorporating into my quiet time with God and see things changing already. I am uber pumped to see how I can bring this to the various prayer teams I am on and experience the joy and happiness of intercession instead of being "burnt-out" in prayer.
It is such a beautiful experience! If you want to learn how to pray from a happy place, I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! She even goes into some of the common terminology we here in intercession like "declarations, decrees, travail, meditation, breath prayers, brooding, etc."
SO INSIGHTFUL, I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THIS BOOOK AND HOW IT BLESSED MY LIFE! PRAYER HAS NEVER FELT SO GOOD! I'M LAUGHING MORE AND UNDERSTANDING MORE AT THE SAME TIME! 10 STARS & 2 THUMBS UP!
Coming off the heels of Shifting Atmospheres with Dawna DeSilva, this was such a timely read! Shout out to Dawna DeSilva for referencing this book in her book. This book was super fantastic!
I feel like this has warped and transcended my prayer life even more! I learned so many riveting details, awesome and inspiring stories about intercession and warring with joy and worship. I love how the premise was to teach intercessors how not to live in limbo being exhausted in prayer and or tormented by demons or Satan but to connect with the #rd realm of Heaven where God resides and to experience the joy of the Lord!
This has revolutionized my prayer life just in the short time of reading it. It gave me dope prayer strategy, super easy-to-read, engaging, and awe-inspiring as Beni shares her story with us about her not wanting to be called to pray and how a radical encounter and revelation with the Lord changed everything.
She truly teaches us what our role is as intercessors, things we can do to help the church and our leaders without being controlling and manipulative in our prayers, how to war from the place of joy, praying within your authority, seeking God on what he wants to release in the Earth, partnering with Heaven and seeing it manifest, not being afraid to venture out and reclaim ownership of our territories and so much more.
She gave so many examples, life stories, scriptures, and strategy to remain a happy intercessor. Some of these things if not all, I have started incorporating into my quiet time with God and see things changing already. I am uber pumped to see how I can bring this to the various prayer teams I am on and experience the joy and happiness of intercession instead of being "burnt-out" in prayer.
It is such a beautiful experience! If you want to learn how to pray from a happy place, I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! She even goes into some of the common terminology we here in intercession like "declarations, decrees, travail, meditation, breath prayers, brooding, etc."
SO INSIGHTFUL, I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH ABOUT THIS BOOOK AND HOW IT BLESSED MY LIFE! PRAYER HAS NEVER FELT SO GOOD! I'M LAUGHING MORE AND UNDERSTANDING MORE AT THE SAME TIME! 10 STARS & 2 THUMBS UP!
September 28, 2022
This was an absolutely amazing book. I know going into this book I would be emotional as it is a book the amazing late benni wrote. When I was first given the book to read I Didnt read it straight away. I handt even realised i was Putting it off. But after church on a sunday i picked up the book and started reading it. I heard god say it was time. I hadnt even realised i was waiting to read it until that moment.
The book is a great book to give to someone who has been called to intercession. Particularly people who have just discovered they are called to it and do not where to start. Like me. When first hearing the word “Intercessor” I had no idea what that even meant. However Benni’s book does a brilliant job explaining but sharing her stories.
Telling the stories of how she started intercession and the encounters and missions shes been on. Even hearing how there is an intercessor backstage during worship at church. That is amazing.
The idea of this book being the first look into intercession for people who dont know where to start is amazing. They get to read and see the journey of the happy intercessor. A journey of a lady who carried so much grace and joy and walked for god. It’s amazing.
I loved when she had mentioned as an intercessor you take ownership of the land you live on. When she told the story of how 2-4 men were sadly murdered and when she felt led to interceed she spoke in a way of like it was” her fault.” She said people would ask her why she speaks as if she was to blame and she had said when you are an intercessor you take ownership of the land you are called to.
The way this book as spoke into my life is unlike no other. Ive had words said over me about being an intercessor and had no idea what that even was or where to even start. This book has helped me and taught me when true intercession looks like and also that intercession is not just speaking but it can dancing, worshiping, crying, it’s anything god leads you to do. I know where to start now and for benni I have to thank her. She approached many topics with grace and gentleness i just hope to reach even a sliver of the anointing she carries.
The book is a great book to give to someone who has been called to intercession. Particularly people who have just discovered they are called to it and do not where to start. Like me. When first hearing the word “Intercessor” I had no idea what that even meant. However Benni’s book does a brilliant job explaining but sharing her stories.
Telling the stories of how she started intercession and the encounters and missions shes been on. Even hearing how there is an intercessor backstage during worship at church. That is amazing.
The idea of this book being the first look into intercession for people who dont know where to start is amazing. They get to read and see the journey of the happy intercessor. A journey of a lady who carried so much grace and joy and walked for god. It’s amazing.
I loved when she had mentioned as an intercessor you take ownership of the land you live on. When she told the story of how 2-4 men were sadly murdered and when she felt led to interceed she spoke in a way of like it was” her fault.” She said people would ask her why she speaks as if she was to blame and she had said when you are an intercessor you take ownership of the land you are called to.
The way this book as spoke into my life is unlike no other. Ive had words said over me about being an intercessor and had no idea what that even was or where to even start. This book has helped me and taught me when true intercession looks like and also that intercession is not just speaking but it can dancing, worshiping, crying, it’s anything god leads you to do. I know where to start now and for benni I have to thank her. She approached many topics with grace and gentleness i just hope to reach even a sliver of the anointing she carries.
September 4, 2022
I’ve appreciated and loved the culture of honor and passion for the Lord at Bethel Church (via worship nights, YouTube, etc), but I didn’t realize the gift of Beni Johnson until her passing. While watching her celebration of life service, I became so inspired by the impact that she’d made on her family and friends and I so wanted to learn from her.
So immediately after watching the service, I ordered The Happy Intercessor and I truly could not put the book down. It was a joy to read!
If you’re a “feeler” like Beni, and like me, and have felt like you don’t always fit in, and don’t quite know what to do with who you are and the way you intensely feel what you feel, then I highly recommend this book to you!
Beni’s insight spoke to me lovingly and deeply. Her story and experiences seemed to validate and explain why we feelers feel the way we do! She explains that what we feel and experience with God and others has a deeper purpose, and that purpose is to pray.
I’m so thankful to “connect” with Beni in this way and to learn from her years of seeking and finding the Lord.
I felt as though the ending of her life here on earth was also the beginning of many seeds being sown - to bring about new life in women who love and experience the Lord like Beni. Like me. And perhaps, like you!
So immediately after watching the service, I ordered The Happy Intercessor and I truly could not put the book down. It was a joy to read!
If you’re a “feeler” like Beni, and like me, and have felt like you don’t always fit in, and don’t quite know what to do with who you are and the way you intensely feel what you feel, then I highly recommend this book to you!
Beni’s insight spoke to me lovingly and deeply. Her story and experiences seemed to validate and explain why we feelers feel the way we do! She explains that what we feel and experience with God and others has a deeper purpose, and that purpose is to pray.
I’m so thankful to “connect” with Beni in this way and to learn from her years of seeking and finding the Lord.
I felt as though the ending of her life here on earth was also the beginning of many seeds being sown - to bring about new life in women who love and experience the Lord like Beni. Like me. And perhaps, like you!
January 12, 2024
This is an inspirational read, encouraging us into prayer and intercession both for our families, churches and nations.
This is not a dry wade through the theory of intercession but a joyful exploration full of encouraging testimonies and stories of Beni Johnson's journey to being a happy intercessor.
Recommended for everyone because we all need a greater awareness of the presence of God that leads to praying and interceding more powerfully and effectively for the issues that surround us.
This is not a dry wade through the theory of intercession but a joyful exploration full of encouraging testimonies and stories of Beni Johnson's journey to being a happy intercessor.
Recommended for everyone because we all need a greater awareness of the presence of God that leads to praying and interceding more powerfully and effectively for the issues that surround us.
December 28, 2019
Much of the book felt like it was talking to me
I enjoyed this book and revelation various topics discussed. At times I wondered if I could as an Intercessor. I believe we all are at some point as we seek God. I appreciate the gentle, humble way the author discusses not so common topics discussed in today’s culture. Anyone thinking they might have the gift of intercession should read this book
I enjoyed this book and revelation various topics discussed. At times I wondered if I could as an Intercessor. I believe we all are at some point as we seek God. I appreciate the gentle, humble way the author discusses not so common topics discussed in today’s culture. Anyone thinking they might have the gift of intercession should read this book
February 19, 2024
This book has a very specific audience. If you grew up in a culture where intercessors were seen as old crotchety, women that never enjoyed anything about life, then this book is for you. That wasn't my experience so I didn't find this read super relevant to me.
I was overall bored with it and don't love Beni's writing style.
There are definitely bits in there that are great about intercession in general. But again, this book is for people that grew up in stiffer church cultures.
I was overall bored with it and don't love Beni's writing style.
There are definitely bits in there that are great about intercession in general. But again, this book is for people that grew up in stiffer church cultures.
September 1, 2022
Good book! Has some amazing testimonies, stories, and ways to relate to intercessory prayer. Beni has many good little points in this book about prayer, and has helped shift my perspective of intercession. Intercession should not feel like a burden!!! Intercession should be joyous! Prayer should be joyous!
March 7, 2023
A valuable and practical book for Intercessors, prayer leaders and those who are curious about prayer, and intercession in particular. Lots of tips for leading a group, great explanations about what intercession actually is, and many examples from experience both personally and corporately. Highly recommended.
October 5, 2018
Overall a good book on intercession but basic. I enjoyed reading her experiences and some wisdom. I’d read it again and I’m glad I read it but I think I was hoping for something deeper instead of more of an introduction.
August 11, 2019
Intercession that comes from the presence of God
The book gave a new outlook into intercession. Reaching to the presence of God, praying from the third heaven because Jesus has won it, is so enriching.
I have been blessed reading this enlightening book
The book gave a new outlook into intercession. Reaching to the presence of God, praying from the third heaven because Jesus has won it, is so enriching.
I have been blessed reading this enlightening book
August 17, 2020
This book sheds a lot of light on intercessory prayer. I learned a whole lot about how to pray and what to pray. The church and its intercessors need to learn how to pray, and this book is a great start!
December 29, 2021
Equipped to Interceed
This was an amazing book that our Intercessors studied together and had discussion around. We have been empowered with tools to continue our assignment with joy!
This was an amazing book that our Intercessors studied together and had discussion around. We have been empowered with tools to continue our assignment with joy!
March 1, 2022
Some great practical insights although a little light on content. I enjoyed the chapters on addressing the issues and the mystics the best. This is a user-friendly manual but does not contain a great deal of depth. A good place for someone beginning the journey of intercession.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
July 6, 2023
Beni has left us a mantle to walk in “for such a time as this.” This was the most joyful book on prayer I’ve read. The amount of examples of prophetic acts and stories warmed me, and I could hardly put it down. Loved it!
November 12, 2017
This book answered so many nagging questions and confirmed/explained a lot of personal experiences.
November 13, 2017
A good read. The writing style could have been improved, but I loved all the different stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews